Early risers catch the worm at annual waterbird count in the Great Rift Valley

Goliath heron.

The world's largest Goliath heron on Lake Baringo on January 10. PHOTO | RUPI MANGAT

It’s 4am. The birders prepare for the start of the annual waterfowl count on Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo, both famous birding destinations in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

The count must start at the crack of dawn before the birds fly off for the day.